Best Vegetarian Food Cafes on Maui – HOP to it

From the cheapest dives to five-star restaurants, most places on Maui have a nice selection of vegetarian dishes. In fact, over the years, we’ve found Maui to be one of the more vegetarian-friendly islands in Hawaii. To be sure, we can eat unhealthy here on Maui (hello loco moco!), but our active lifestyles often call for lighter, cleaner fare. Upcountry, especially, has many vegetarian and vegan options. For this article, we’re focusing on cafes that, while they may offer meat-based dishes, really specialize in vegetarian foods. Here is our list of favorite cafes that cater to vegetarians, listed alphabetically.

Choice Health Bar (Lahaina) The most popular little health food joint in Lahaina, Choice Health Bar makes smoothies, juices, salads, sandwiches and has kombucha on tap. We appreciate the way Choice sells their cold-pressed juices in fancy bottles with a $2 deposit fee. If you want to keep the bottle as a souvenir, no sweat. But, if you return it, you’ll get your $2 back. This is so environmentally friendly, we recommend all places do this. The Buddha Bowl, which combines a kale salad with a vegan soup and coconut garlic quinoa is our go-to meal at Choice. (Choice Health Bar)

Farmacy (Wailuku and Pukulani) Pouring a full menu of juices and smoothies, Farmacy also makes killer acai bowls, sandwiches and salads. You may go for the juice, but the excellent sandwiches are available on four different types of bread, including gluten-free, or as a lettuce wrap. Try the Roaster, a punchy little sandwich with spiced eggplant and zucchini. The employees of Farmacy are friendly and create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. (Farmacy Wailuku, Farmacy Pukulani)

Jini’s Curry (Wailuku) Located in the Wailuku Promenade Food Court on Main St. in Wailuku, Jini’s dishes up fast, delicious Indian curry’s, both of the vegetarian and non-vegetarian varieties, available as plates and bowls. The plates also include a salad and naan and are slightly more expensive. For non-meat eaters, we highly recommend the pumpkin curry. Besides the shop, you are also likely to find Jini’s at the Friday night town parties serving up a limited menu. (Jini’s Curry)

Joy’s Place (Kihei) Tucked away under a condo across the street from Kalama Park, Joy’s Place is popular by vegetarians in the know. Because it’s not actually facing South Kihei Road, people don’t seem to know it’s there. But once they find it, they keep coming back for both breakfast and lunch. Joy’s Place makes vegetarian and non-vegetarian sandwiches, so everyone in your party will be happy. They also serve live raw and vegan foods. (Joy’s Place)

Veg-Out (Haiku) Heading up to Haiku and walking into the fully meat-free Veg-Out is kind of like going to a food court, but instead of having to choose from different shops, all the options are available at one place. Veg-Out serves sandwiches, Mexican, Italian, Middle Eastern and Far Eastern cuisines. They also offer gluten-free pizza crusts and pastas. There’s even a keiki menu with kids’ faves like quesadillas, pizza, nuggets and spaghetti.(Veg-Out)

Did we leave anything out? What is your favorite vegetarian cafe on Maui? Tell us on Twitter @HIOceanProject and Instagram @hawaiioceanproject or leave us a comment below.